BYU Rises to Number Two After Defeating Notre Dame
Walker Lyons secured the victory for BYU in a 28-24 win at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Should teams with easier schedules be excluded from the playoffs after losing to unranked opponents?
BYU remains undefeated after a 28-24 victory against Notre Dame in Provo. The result pushed the Cougars to a number two national ranking, their highest placement since 1984.
Why it matters
The win represents a major milestone for the program as BYU seeks to secure a spot in the College Football Playoffs. It also marks the team's first victory over a top-two opponent since 1990.
BYU holds an unblemished 6-0 record following the 28-24 victory over Notre Dame. The Big 12 conference later confirmed that one second should have remained on the game clock during the final play.
The players
BYU
The Brigham Young University football team is currently ranked number two in the nation.
Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame is a prominent college football program.
Walker Lyons
He is the player who caught the game-winning touchdown pass for BYU.
Big 12
The athletic conference acknowledged that the game clock error occurred during the final play.
UCF
The University of Central Florida is the next opponent on the BYU football schedule.
The details
Walker Lyons caught the winning touchdown pass as time expired in Provo. Fans stormed the field at LaVell Edwards Stadium to celebrate the historic win.
Timeline
1984: BYU won the national title.
1990: BYU last defeated a top-two ranked team.
October 2026: BYU defeated Notre Dame.
Saturday, 1:30 p.m.: BYU plays UCF in Orlando.
The Big Picture
This victory positions BYU as a primary contender within the rankings considered by the College Football Playoff selection process.
The win elevates BYU to the number two spot in the national rankings, drastically improving their standing for the College Football Playoff. The team currently holds a 6-0 record heading into their upcoming road game against UCF.
The takeaway
The team's first top-two victory in over three decades signals a potential return to elite status for the program. Maintaining momentum will be essential as the squad faces UCF in their next road contest.
What happens next
BYU is scheduled to play UCF in Orlando this Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, read the latest Football news.
Live Poll
Should teams with easier schedules be excluded from the playoffs after losing to unranked opponents?
